Cement industry gangway and safety cage

ABSTRACT

A safety cage improves the safety of workers servicing tanker vehicles having top side hatches. A part or parts of the cage can be repositioned to permit the hatch cover to be opened and then can be returned to a safety enhancing position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of pending patent application Ser. No. 12/831,393 filed Jul. 7, 2010 which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Loading tanks of transport trucks is a hazardous and dangerous task. To prepare the tank for loading, it is necessary for a worker to open the hatch or hatches on the upper surface of the tank. The upper surface of the tank is typically cylindrical and often slippery causing frequent slips and falls by workers. Further, the worker must access the top surface again after the tank is loaded to close the hatch or hatches on the tank. Because of these hazardous conditions, it is known in the art to use safety cages to protect the worker, such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,216,741.

Most safety cages in the art are ineffective in providing fall protection for transport trucks such as dry bulk transport trucks. The typical standard operating procedure for loading dry bulk transport trucks is to open the hatch at one location, drive the truck to a loading station for loading, and then close the hatch at the second location or return the truck to the original or another location suitable for closing the hatch. The hatch cover is normally hinged on a horizontal axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the tank and truck. When the hatch cover is opened, it is desirable to pivot the hatch cover to a fully open position in which the top of the cover rests on the upper part of one lateral side of the tank. If the side railing of a safety cage is spaced laterally outward a sufficient distance to permit the hatch cover to be fully opened, the side railing is positioned too far laterally to prevent the worker from falling. It also may be too far away to be used by the worker as a grab bar to regain balance or to stop a fall. Conversely, if the side railing of a safety cage is spaced laterally inward a sufficient distance to prevent the worker from falling, the hatch cover is not permitted to be fully opened.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes an apparatus for providing safe access to the top of a container preferably having a hatch cover positioned at the top of the container that pivots between an open and a closed position. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a gangway capable of being raised and lowered and a cage having a first end attached to the gangway and an opposing second end. The cage may also include a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a joining side for joining the first and second lateral sides at the opposing second end of the cage, and a partial floor adjoining the first and second lateral sides at the first end. The partial floor may pivot about an axis extending parallel with the first end of the cage. Further, the joining side may have a gate that slidably engages the joining side.

In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes an elevated platform and a gangway attached to the platform that is capable of being raised lowered. The gangway also includes a body and an access wherein the body supports the access, which includes a self leveling step. The apparatus also includes a cage having a first end attached to the gangway and an opposing second end. The cage includes a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a joining side for joining the first and second lateral sides at the opposing second end of the cage, and a partial floor adjoining the first and second lateral sides at the first end. The first lateral side of the cage preferably includes a first horizontal rail, a second horizontal rail, and a third horizontal rail as well as a first vertical rail, a second vertical rail, and a third vertical rail. The first vertical rail of the first lateral side is preferably affixed to the gangway. The second lateral side of the cage preferably includes a first horizontal rail, a second horizontal rail, and a third horizontal rail as well as a first vertical rail, a second vertical rail, and a third vertical rail. The first vertical rail of the second lateral side is preferably affixed to the gangway. The joining side preferably includes a first horizontal rail and a second horizontal rail, which are connected to the third vertical rail of the first lateral side and the third vertical rail of the second lateral side. The joining side also preferably includes a gate, which is vertically slideably engaged with the third vertical rail of the first lateral side and the third vertical rail of the second lateral side. The partial floor preferably pivots about an axis extending parallel with the first end of the cage.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a cage having a first end and an opposing second end. The cage also includes a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a joining side for joining the first and second lateral sides at the opposing second end of the cage, and a partial floor adjoining the first and second lateral sides at the first end. The first lateral side of the cage preferably includes a first horizontal rail, a second horizontal rail, a first vertical rail, and a second vertical rail. Likewise, the second lateral side of the cage preferably includes a first horizontal rail, a second horizontal rail, a first vertical rail, and a second vertical rail. The joining side preferably includes a first horizontal rail and a second horizontal rail, wherein the first and second horizontal rails may be connected to the second vertical rail of the first lateral side and the second vertical rail of the second lateral side. The joining side further preferably includes a gate that is vertically slideably engaged with the second vertical rail of the first lateral side and the second vertical rail of the second lateral side. The partial floor preferably pivots about an axis extending parallel with the first end of the cage.

In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a gangway capable of being raised and lowered and a cage having a first end attached to the gangway and an opposing second end. The cage preferably includes a first lateral side, a second lateral side, and a joining side for joining the first and second lateral sides at the opposing second end of the cage. The joining side preferably includes a gate that is vertically slidably engaged with the joining side.

In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a gangway capable of being raised and lowered and a cage having a first end attached to the gangway and an opposing second end. The cage preferably includes a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a joining side for joining the first and second lateral sides at the opposing second end of the cage, and a partial floor that adjoins the first and second lateral sides at the first end. The partial floor preferably pivots about an axis extending parallel with the first end of the cage.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a cage having a first end and an opposing second end. The cage includes a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a joining side for joining the first and second lateral sides at the opposing second end of the cage, and a partial side adjoining the first lateral side at the first end. The joining side includes a first gate that is vertically slidably engaged with the joining side. The partial side includes an access opening and a second gate positioned adjacent to the opening. The second gate is vertically slidably engaged with the partial side.

In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a cage having a first end and an opposing second end. The cage includes a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a joining side for joining the first and second lateral sides at the opposing second end of the cage, and a partial side adjoining the first lateral side at the first end. The first lateral side of the cage includes a first horizontal rail, a second horizontal rail, a third horizontal rail, a first vertical rail, and a second vertical rail. The second lateral side of the cage includes a fourth horizontal rail, a fifth horizontal rail, a sixth horizontal rail, a third vertical rail, and a fourth vertical rail. The joining side includes a first gate that is vertically slidably engaged with the joining side. The partial side includes an access opening and a second gate positioned adjacent to the opening. The second gate is vertically slidably engaged with the partial side.

In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a cage having a first end and an opposing second end. The cage includes a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a joining side for joining the first and second lateral sides at the opposing second end of the cage, and a partial side adjoining the first lateral side at the first end. The partial side includes an access opening and a gate positioned adjacent to the opening. The gate is vertically slidably engaged with the partial side.

The present invention also includes a method and system for providing safe access to a top of a mobile container. The mobile container preferably has a hatch cover positioned at the top of the mobile container that pivots between an open and a closed position. In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method includes providing a gangway capable of being raised and lowered and providing a cage having a first end attached to the gangway and an opposing second end. The cage preferably includes a first lateral side, a second lateral side, and a joining side for joining the first and second lateral sides at the opposing second end of the cage. The joining side preferably includes a gate that is vertically slidably engaged with the joining side. The method also includes positioning the cage into engagement with the mobile container by lowering the gangway wherein the cage surrounds the hatch cover of the mobile container. The method finally includes sliding the gate in an upward direction to allow access for the hatch cover of the mobile container to be pivoted between the opened and closed position.

In another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method includes providing a gangway capable of being raised and lowered and providing a cage having a first end attached to the gangway and an opposing second end. The cage preferably includes a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a joining side for joining the first and second lateral sides at the opposing second end of the cage, and a partial floor adjoining the first and second lateral sides at the first end of the cage. The partial floor is preferably pivotable about an axis extending parallel with the first end of the cage. The method also includes positioning the cage into engagement with the mobile container by lowering the gangway wherein the cage surrounds the hatch cover of the mobile container. The method finally includes pivoting the partial floor about the axis in an upward direction to allow access for the hatch cover of the mobile container to be pivoted between the opened and closed position.

In yet another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method includes providing a gangway capable of being raised and lowered and providing a cage having a first end attached to the gangway and an opposing second end. The cage includes a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a joining side for joining the first and second lateral sides at the opposing second end of the cage, and a partial side. The partial side includes an access opening and a gate positioned adjacent to the opening wherein the gate is vertically slidably engaged with the partial side. The method also includes positioning the cage into engagement with the mobile container by lowering the gangway wherein the cage surrounds a hatch cover of the mobile container. The method includes accessing the cage through the access opening of the partial side of the cage and sliding the gate in an upward direction to allow access for the hatch cover of the mobile container to be pivoted between an open and closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an access platform, a gangway, and a safety cage positioned above the hatch of a dry bulk material tank mounted on a truck according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the safety cage and the gangway according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a side view of the safety cage and the gangway in the stored position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the safety cage and the gangway in the stored position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a side view of the safety cage and the gangway in the extended loading position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the safety cage and the gangway in the extended loading position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C is a close-up view from FIG. 4B of the roller feature of the safety cage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a side view of the safety cage and the gangway in the extended loading position with the gate raised according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the safety cage and the gangway in the extended loading position with the gate raised according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a side view of the safety cage and the gangway in the extended loading position with the cage floor pivoted upward according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the safety cage and the gangway in the extended loading position with the cage floor pivoted upward according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an access platform, a gangway, and a safety cage according to an embodiment of the present invention positioned above the hatch of a dry bulk material tank mounted on a truck with the hatch open for loading.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an access platform, a gangway, and a safety cage according to an embodiment of the present invention positioned above the hatch of a dry bulk material tank mounted on a truck returning from loading in the opposite direction of FIG. 7 with the hatch open and cage floor raised for closing the hatch.

FIG. 9A is a side view of an embodiment of the safety cage and, gangway of the present invention in the extended loading position and having two partial gates.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the safety cage and gangway of the present invention in the extended loading position and having two partial gates.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a roller attachment attached to a partial gate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a safety cage and gangway that is particularly suitable for use when opening and closing the hatch of a tanker truck and in particular a dry bulk material tanker truck. Although primarily described herein in terms of its use with tank trucks and service station platforms, it will be clear that the present invention can also be used in connection with other devices including a variety of other mobile containers and service station configurations. The invention will be described with reference to the figures forming an integral non-limiting part of the instant specification. Throughout the description similar elements will be numbered accordingly.

FIG. 1 illustrates a tanker vehicle in the form of a dry bulk material tank truck 11 positioned for servicing at a standard hatch opening and closing station that includes a worker access or service platform 12 with a floor 13, typically supported by one or more pillars 14, and a stairway or ladder 16. Typical dry bulk material handling tanker vehicles have a hatch 17 on the top of a tank 18 with a hatch cover 19, which is pivotally hinged to the hatch 17 on a horizontal axis 21 extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, that is, in a fore and aft direction. The open position of the hatch cover is shown by broken lines 22.

In order to enhance the safety of workers who open and close the hatches of the tanker vehicles, a safety cage 20 is provided, which is designed to be placed in encompassing relation to the hatch 17. The safety cage 20 is preferably supported on the free end of a gangway 30. As more fully discussed below, gangway 30 preferably includes a ramp or an access stairway 33 having steps that may be self leveling and a body 34 supporting the stairway 33. Gangway 30 is affixed to platform 12 so that it can be raised to a stored positioned, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, and lowered to an access position, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Access to tank trucks of differing heights may be facilitated by the use of self leveling steps in stairway 33.

As shown in FIG. 1, the access stairway 33 of gangway 30 has been lowered to its safety enhancing position in which the bottom of the safety cage 20 encircles the hatch 17 and rests on the top of the tank 18 of the tank truck 11. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the safety cage 20 includes a rubber type padding, which reduces scratching and movement between the cage 20 and the tank 18.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, the safety cage 20 forms an open-ended quadrilateral shape and is comprised of two opposing upright sides 40 and 50, a joining upright side 60, and a partial pivotable floor 70. Floor 70 is positioned adjacent to the gangway 30. The safety cage 20 is open-ended to allow access from platform floor 13 and gangway 30 to floor 70 of cage 20. To provide additional safety, cage 20 may be only partially opened between gangway 30 and floor 70 of cage 20 or include an entry way that is capable of being closed when a worker is within cage 20.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 6, the first upright side 40 includes a bottom horizontal rail 41, an intermediate horizontal rail 42, and an upper horizontal rail 43. The first upright side 40 also includes a first vertical rail 44 positioned adjacent to the gangway 30, an intermediate vertical rail 45 that intersects the horizontal rails 41, 42, and 43, and a third vertical rail 46 positioned adjacent to joining upright side 60. Bottom horizontal rail 41 is secured to the lower end of the vertical rails 44, 45, and 46, intermediate horizontal rail 42 is secured in approximately the middle of the vertical rails 44, 45, and 46, and upper horizontal rail 43 is secured to the upper end of the vertical rails 44, 45, and 46. The horizontal rails 41, 42, and 43 and vertical rails 44, 45, and 46 are rigidly secured at their respective points of intersection by techniques such as welding or providing bolt-type attachments.

Further, the second upright side 50, which opposes first upright side 40, includes a bottom horizontal rail 51, an intermediate horizontal rail 52, and an upper horizontal rail 53. Similar to the first upright side 40, the second upright side 50 also includes a first vertical rail 54 positioned adjacent to the gangway 30, an intermediate vertical rail 55 that intersects the horizontal rails 51, 52, and 53, and a third vertical rail 56 positioned adjacent to joining upright side 60. Bottom horizontal rail 51 is secured to the lower end of the vertical rails 54, 55, and 56, intermediate horizontal rail 52 is secured in approximately the middle of the vertical rails 54, 55, and 56, and upper horizontal rail 53 is secured to the upper end of the vertical rails 54, 55, and 56. The horizontal rails 51, 52, and 53 and vertical rails 54, 55, and 56 are rigidly secured at their respective points of intersection by techniques such as welding or providing bolt attachments.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, the joining upright side 60 includes an intermediate horizontal rail 62 and an upper horizontal rail 63. The ends of horizontal rails 62, 63 are secured to vertical rail 46 of the first upright side 40 and vertical rail 56 of the second upright side 50. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 through 6, vertical rails 46 and 56 are taller than the remaining vertical rails 44, 45, 54, and 55. Upper horizontal rail 63 is positioned between the upper ends of vertical rails 46 and 56 and intermediate horizontal rail 62 is positioned in approximately the middle of vertical rails 46 and 56. Vertical rails 46 and 56 are generally U-shaped with their open ends facing inward towards each other. The horizontal rails 62 and 63 and vertical rails 46 and 56 are rigidly secured at their respective points of intersection on the outer back side of the U-shape of vertical rails 46 and 56 by techniques such as welding or providing bolt attachments.

The joining upright side 60 further may include a gate 80 that preferably vertically slides relative to vertical rails 46 and 56. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 through 6, the gate 80 includes a bottom horizontal member 81, a top horizontal member 84, and two intermediate horizontal members 82 and 83. Each horizontal member has a handle 85 extending inward towards the center of cage 20. Gate 80 also preferably includes a first vertical member 86 positioned adjacent to and within the U-shape of vertical rail 46 and a second vertical member 87 positioned adjacent to and within the U-shape of vertical rail 56. The horizontal members 81, 82, 83, and 84 are preferably positioned between vertical members 86 and 87. Typically, first and second vertical members 86 and 87 are approximately the same height as vertical rails 46 and 56.

As shown in more detail at 95 in FIGS. 4B & 4C, vertical rails 46 and 56 have cut-out portions 90 along the back side of the respective U-shapes with a roller 91, such as a nylon roller, affixed therein. In the embodiment shown, each rail 46 and 56 includes two cut-out portions 90 and rollers 91. Each roller is positioned and stabilized inside the cut-out portion 90 by pin 92. The pin 92 is inserted through one lateral side of the U-shape of the respective vertical rail 46, 56, through the roller 91, and then through the opposing lateral side of the respective vertical rail 46, 56. Pin 92 extends parallel with the first and second upright sides so that the roller 91 rotates around an axis that is parallel with the first and second upright sides 40 and 50. Vertical member 86, shown in FIGS. 5A & 5B, is positioned adjacent to the rollers 91 on vertical rail 46 and vertical member 87, also shown in FIGS. 5A & 5B, is positioned adjacent to rollers 91 on vertical rail 56. Gate 80 is held in place and unable to fall away from joining side 60 because of the position of vertical members 86 and 87 within the U-shape of vertical rails 46 and 56. Alternatively, instead of forming a U-shape, vertical rails 46 and 56 may have stop members or gate 80 may have holding means to restrain gate 80 from falling away from joining side 60. Further, tabs 93, which may be affixed at the upper end of vertical members 86 and 87 and positioned to extend at least partially over a portion of the U-shape of vertical rails 46 and 56, keep gate 80 from sliding below cage 20. Alternatively, stops affixed to the bottom of the U-shape of vertical rails 46 and 56 keep gate 80 from sliding below cage 20.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when a worker grasps handle 85 and applies upward force to gate 80, vertical members 86 and 87 slide upward along rollers 91 and within the U-shape of vertical rails 46 and 56. Because of the absence of a bottom horizontal rail on joining upright side 60, a gap or opening is formed in cage 20 allowing the hatch cover 19 of tank truck 11 to be fully opened so that the top of the hatch cover 19 rests on the upper part of one lateral side of the tank 18 of tank truck 11.

Spring loaded reels 88 may be used to assist movement of gate 80 in the upward direction along rollers 91 and are beneficial in preventing cage 20 from lifting upward due to the upward force and movement of gate 80. In the embodiment shown, three spring loaded reels 88 are affixed to intermediate horizontal rail 62 at approximately equal spacing between vertical rails 46 and 56. As more clearly shown in FIG. 6A, the reels 88 each include cables 89, which extend from the reels to the bottom horizontal member 81 of gate 80. Alternatively, counterweights may be used to assist movement of gate 80.

Partial pivotable floor 70 of cage 20 may be positioned between the two opposing upright sides 40 and 50 and at the opposing end of cage 20 from joining upright side 60. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6B, floor 70 is preferably generally quadrilateral in shape and has a first side 71 adjacent to gangway 30, a second side 72 adjacent to upright side 40, a third side 73 opposing first side 71, and a fourth side 74 adjacent to upright side 50.

As more fully shown in FIG. 2, bottom horizontal rails 41 and 51 preferably include stops or tabs 75 that support floor 70 at the intersection of sides 72 and 73 and the intersection of sides 74 and 73. Tabs 75 are typically welded to bottom horizontal rails 41 and 51 but other attachment or forming techniques may be used but are preferably rigid and secure enough to support the weight of a worker. Floor 70 also preferably includes a pivot axis 76 that runs along first side 71 of floor 70 and connects to first vertical rails 44 and 54 of opposing lateral sides 40 and 50, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, floor 70 rotates around pivot axis 76. Tabs 75 stop floor 70 from rotating to a position below bottom horizontal rails 41 and 51 of cage 20. Stops may also be located on or approximate to vertical rails 44 and 54 to stop floor 70 from rotating to a position beyond vertical rails 44 and 54.

In the embodiment shown, pivot axis 76 extends through first vertical rail 44, through floor 70 along first side 71, and then through first vertical rail 54. Pivot axis 76 is secured on the outer side of the first vertical rails 44 and 54 using a bolt and nut type assembly, which secures axis 76 to cage 20 but still allows floor 70 to rotate with respect to axis 76.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 6A, and 6B, when a worker standing on the upper part of the tank 18 of tank truck 11 applies upward force to floor 70, floor 70 pivots with respect to axis 76 to an upward position. The upward position is shown in FIG. 6B and is also illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 7 by dotted lines. When floor 70 is in the upward position, an opening is formed between cage 20 and hatch 17 of tank 18. The opening is preferably large enough for the hatch cover 19 of hatch 17 to be fully opened so that the top of the hatch cover 19 rests on the upper part of one lateral side of the tank 18 of tank truck 11. After the hatch cover 19 is opened, floor 70 may be lowered to its downward position either resting on tabs 75 or a portion of tank 18, whichever is higher, so that the worker can walk safely back to gangway 30 and platform floor 13.

As discussed above, gangway 30 may include an access ramp or stairway 33 having steps and a body 34 for supporting the stairway 33. Gangway body 34 typically incorporates treads for securing the steps of stairway 33. Gangway 30 also may include vertical posts 35 extending upward and approximately in line with the vertical rails 44, 45, 46 of cage 20 on a first lateral side 31 and vertical posts 35 extending upward and approximately in line with vertical rails 54, 55, 56 of cage 20 on a second lateral side 32. Handrail 36 may connect vertical posts 35 on the first lateral side 31 and handrail 37 may connect vertical posts 35 on the second lateral side 32 of gangway 30. The handrail of gangway 30 may be extended on one or both sides to block the exit so that a worker is unable to easily access the exit or ladder 16 while the gangway is in the lowered service position. In the embodiments shown, handrail 37 is extended.

As discussed above, gangway 30 is preferably connected to platform 12 and is pivotable between a raised stored positioned, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, and a lowered access position, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Frequently, at least the first and last steps of stairway 33 are self leveling so that the gangway 30 can adjust to varying heights of tank trucks and resting positions of cage 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, gangway 30 is positioned parallel with platform 12 and the bottom of cage 20. In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, gangway 30 is positioned at a downward angle with platform 12 and the bottom of cage 20.

Cage 20 may be supported on the free end of gangway 30. In the embodiment shown, a portion of body 34 of gangway 30 extends under a portion of cage 20 including first vertical rails 44 and 54 of lateral sides 40 and 50, respectively. Cage 20 is secured to gangway 30 by a bolt 38 extending through the portion of body 34 extending under cage 20 and into first vertical rail 44 of lateral side 40. Cage 20 is also secured to gangway 30 by a bolt 38 extending through the portion of body 34 extending under cage 20 and into first vertical rail 54 of lateral side 50. The portion of body 34 that extends under cage 20 is positioned low enough so that it will not interfere with the pivoting of floor 70 about axis 76. Other securing mechanisms may also be used to secure cage 20 to gangway 30 without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, cage 20 may be secured directly to platform 12 thereby eliminating the need for a gangway.

In performing servicing operations using the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, gangway 30 is preferably in its stored position so that safety cage 20 is also preferably in an elevated position. The tank truck 11 is driven beneath the safety cage 20, and the gangway 30 and safety cage 20 are then lowered to the safety enhancing position such as shown in FIG. 1 wherein the cage rests on the top of tank 18 of tank truck 11. Gangway 30 may be lowered using varying techniques such as by releasing a foot lock on the body of gangway 30 or by pneumatic or hydraulic actuators. Extended handrail 37 preferably blocks the stairs or ladder 16 of the platform 12 so that the worker is hindered from exiting without raising the gangway 30 and cage 20 to the stored position. After the cage is lowered to its safety enhancing position, the worker may open the latches that secure hatch cover 19 to hatch 17. The hatch cover 19, however, is typically not capable of being pivoted to its fully open position shown in broken lines 22 because of the bottom horizontal member 81 and its corresponding handle 85, which is spaced laterally from the hatch cover a distance less than the width of the hatch cover 19. As shown in FIG. 8, upon applying upward force to gate 80, the worker can preferably then fully open hatch cover 19 by pivoting the hatch cover 19 under extended gate 80. Gate 80 is then released so that it may return to its lowered position and the worker can exit the safety cage 20 and return to platform 12. The gangway 30 and cage 20 are preferably then raised such as by exerting force downward on extended handrail 37 of gangway 30 until the gangway has raised up enough to allow the foot lock to engage or by pneumatic or hydraulic actuators. In the stored position, extended handrail 37 preferably no longer blocks the stairs or ladder 16 of the platform 12 so the worker can easily exit the platform 12. The truck 11 may then be driven to a loading station, not shown, to receive bulk material such as cement.

Alternatively, if the tank truck 11 approaches the service station in the opposite direction or hatch cover 19 was pivotally hinged to hatch 17 on a horizontal axis on the opposing side of hatch 17 to horizontal axis 21 (such as shown in FIG. 7), the hatch cover 19 would not be capable of being pivoted to its open position because of floor 70, which is spaced laterally from the hatch cover a distance less than the width of the hatch cover 19. However, the hatch cover 19 can be opened by applying upward force to floor 70, which preferably causes floor 70 to pivot with respect to axis 76 to the upright position depicted by dotted lines in FIG. 7. After the hatch cover 19 is fully opened, floor 70 can be released so that it may return to its downward position either resting on tabs 75 or a portion of tank 18, and the worker can exit the safety cage 20 and return to platform 12. The gangway 30 and cage 20 may then be raised, and the truck 11 may be driven to a loading station, not shown, to receive bulk material such as cement.

After material has been loaded, tank truck 11 may then be driven back to the servicing station where a worker may close the hatch cover 19. The hatch cover 19 may be closed using the same techniques discussed above. The technique used, pivoting of the floor 70 or lifting of gate 80, depends on the direction that the tank truck 11 approaches the service station, which side the hatch cover 19 is hinged to the hatch 17, and/or the position of the floor 70 and/or gate 80 on cage 20.

Optionally, gates and/or floor panels may also be added to other sides of cage 20. For example, if the hatch cover 19 opens on a horizontal axis perpendicular to axis 21 and extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle, upright sides 40 and/or 50 may be configured to include a gate similar to gate 80 and the bottom horizontal rail 41 and 51, respectively, would be at least partially removed or positioned so that it does not interfere with hatch cover 19. Alternatively, upright sides 40 and/or 50 may be configured to include a floor panel similar to the configuration of floor 70 with a pivoting axis. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, all four sides of cage 20 include a pivotable floor 70. Alternatively, all four sides of cage 20 may include a gate 80.

FIGS. 9A through 9C illustrate an alternative embodiment of the gangway 130 and safety cage 120 of the present invention. Safety cage 120 preferably forms a generally quadrilateral shape and may include two opposing upright sides 140 and 150, a joining upright side 160, and a partial access side 170. Partial access side 170 preferably includes an open portion 171 and is preferably positioned adjacent to the gangway 130 or directly next to a platform to allow access to safety cage 120. To provide additional safety, the open portion 171 of partial access side 170 of safety cage 120 may include a door or adjustable rails that close off open portion 171 when a worker is within cage 120. Gangway 130 is very similar to gangway 30 except that it is narrower than gangway 30 and only positioned adjacent to the open portion 171 of partial access side 170 of safety cage 120. Alternatively, a gangway similar to gangway 30 may be used with safety cage 120 without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention.

The first upright side 140 may include a bottom horizontal rail 141, an intermediate horizontal rail 142, and an upper horizontal rail 143. The first upright side 140 also may include a first vertical rail 144 positioned near partial access side 170 and a second vertical rail 146 positioned adjacent to joining upright side 160. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, bottom horizontal rail 141 is secured, such as by welding, bolts, or other attachment devices, to intermediate horizontal rail 142 by curved vertical members 145 positioned on opposing ends of bottom horizontal rail 141. Alternatively, vertical members 145 may be formed from the same material or tubing as vertical rails 144 and 146 and extend through an opening in intermediate horizontal rail 142 and are affixed to upper horizontal rail 143, such as by welding or other attaching devices.

The second upright side 150, which opposes first upright side 140, may include a bottom horizontal rail 151, an intermediate horizontal rail 152, and an upper horizontal rail 153. Similar to the first upright side 140, the second upright side 150 also may include a first vertical rail 154 positioned near partial access side 170 and a second vertical rail 156 positioned adjacent to joining upright side 160. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, bottom horizontal rail 151 is secured to the lower end of the vertical rails 154 and 156, intermediate horizontal rail 152 is secured in approximately the middle of the vertical rails 154 and 156, and upper horizontal rail 153 is secured to the upper end of the vertical rails 154 and 156. The horizontal rails 151, 152, and 153 and vertical rails 154 and 156 are preferably rigidly secured at their respective points of intersection by techniques such as welding or providing bolt attachments.

The joining upright side 160 may include an intermediate horizontal rail 162 and an upper horizontal rail 163. Joining upright side 160 may further include a partial bottom horizontal rail 161, such as shown in FIG. 9B. A partial bottom horizontal rail 161 may be included on joining upright side 160 to add more fall protection but is preferably only partial to allow opening and closing of a tank truck hatch. The ends of horizontal rails 162 and 163 may be secured to vertical rail 146 of the first upright side 140 and vertical rail 156 of the second upright side 150. In an embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 9B having a partial bottom horizontal rail 161, the ends of horizontal rail 161 may be secured to vertical rail 156 and include a vertical member 164 for connecting bottom horizontal rail 161 to another portion of joining upright side 160, such as intermediate horizontal rail 162. Optionally, horizontal rail 162 may be formed of the same material, such as continuous rigid tubing, as horizontal rails 142 and 152 and include curved corners such as shown FIG. 9B. Likewise, horizontal rail 163 may be formed of the same material, such as continuous rigid tubing, as horizontal rails 143 and 153 and include curved corners such as also shown in FIG. 9B. Partial bottom horizontal rail 161 may also be formed of the same material, such as continuous rigid tubing, as bottom horizontal rail 151.

The joining upright side 160 further may include a gate 180. If a partial bottom horizontal rail 161 is used, gate 180 is preferably positioned along joining upright side 160 where partial bottom horizontal rail 161 is absent as shown in FIG. 9B. If no horizontal rail 161 is used, gate 180 may extend entirely across joining upright side 160 and secure to joining upright side 160 like gate 80 shown in FIGS. 4A through 4C and discussed above. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A through 9C, gate 180 vertically slides relative to vertical members 165 positioned on opposing sides of gate 180 and secured between horizontal rails 162 and 163, such as by welding. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A through 9C, the gate 180 includes a bottom horizontal member 181, an intermediate horizontal member 182, and a top horizontal member 183. Intermediate horizontal member 182 may include a handle 185 extending inward towards the center of cage 120 as shown in FIG. 9B. Gate 180 may also include a first vertical member 186 positioned adjacent to vertical member 165 on one side of gate 180 and a second vertical member 187 positioned adjacent to vertical member 165 on the opposing side of gate 180. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, the horizontal members 181, 182, and 183 are positioned between vertical members 186 and 187. Bottom horizontal member 181 may extend beyond vertical member 186 or 187 to provide additional fall protection. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, bottom horizontal member 181 extends beyond vertical member 186 and adds additional fall protection at the intersection of joining upright side 160 and first upright side 140. First and second vertical members 186 and 187 are approximately the same height as the vertical distance between bottom horizontal rail 161 and upper horizontal rail 163 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 9C, vertical members 165 may include rollers 166 attached by mechanisms such as bolts. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A through 9C, each vertical member 165 includes two vertically disposed rollers 166. Rollers 166 may include a central recessed portion for insertion of the vertical members 186 and 187, which thereby secures gate 180 to joining upright side 160. Other attaching and affixing devices however may be used to secure gate 180 to joining upright side 160, such as those discussed with respect to gate 80 and joining upright side 60, without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. A stopper may also be utilized to keep gate 180 from extending too far below or above cage 120. For example, a stopper may be added to horizontal rail 162 to keep intermediate horizontal member 182 from extending below horizontal rail 162 and bottom horizontal member 181 from extending above horizontal rail 162. Similarly, a stopper may be included on rail 163.

As shown in FIGS. 9A through 9C, when a worker grasps handle 185 and applies upward force to gate 180, vertical members 186 and 187 slide upward along rollers 166. Because joining upright side 160 only includes a partial bottom horizontal rail, a gap or opening is formed in cage 120 allowing the hatch cover of a tank truck to be fully opened so that the top of the hatch cover rests on the upper part of the tank truck. Like gate 80, spring loaded reels may be used to assist movement of gate 180.

Partial access side 170 is preferably positioned opposite joining upright side 160 and adjacent to gangway 130 or directly next to an access platform. As discussed above, partial access side 170 preferably includes an open portion 171 for allowing access to the gangway 130 or a platform.

Similar to joining upright side 160, partial access side 170 may include an intermediate rail 172 and an upper horizontal rail 173. The ends of horizontal rails 172 and 173 may be secured to vertical rails 144 of the first upright side 140 as shown in FIG. 9B. Alternatively, if open portion 171 is positioned adjacent to second upright side 150, horizontal ends 172 and 173 may be secured to vertical rail 154. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, partial access side 170 includes vertical rail 174 for securing the opposing ends of horizontal rails 172 and 173. Optionally, partial access side 170 includes more than one vertical rail 174. For example, multiple vertical rails 174 may be included to provide additional support. Additional vertical rails 174 may also be included if open portion 171 is positioned in the center of partial access side 170 and horizontal rails 172 and 173 are positioned on both sides of open portion 171.

Horizontal rail 172 may be formed of the same material, such as continuous rigid tubing, as horizontal rails 142, 152, and/or 162 and include curved corners such as shown in FIG. 9B. Likewise, horizontal rail 173 may be formed of the same material, such as continuous rigid tubing, as horizontal rails 143, 153, and/or 163 and include curved corners such as shown in FIG. 9B.

The partial access side 170 further may include a gate 190. Gate 190 is preferably positioned opposite open portion 171 of partial access side 170 as shown in FIG. 9B. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A through 9B, gate 190 vertically slides relative to vertical members 175 positioned on opposing sides of gate 190 and secured between horizontal rails 172 and 173, such as by welding. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A through 9B, the gate 190 includes a bottom horizontal member 191, an intermediate horizontal member 192, and a top horizontal member 193.

Intermediate horizontal member 192 may include a handle 195 extending inward towards the center of cage 120 as shown in FIG. 9B. Gate 190 may also include a first vertical member 196 positioned adjacent to vertical member 175 on one side of gate 190 and a second vertical member 197 positioned adjacent to vertical member 175 on the opposing side of gate 190. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, the horizontal members 191, 192, and 193 are positioned between vertical members 196 and 197. Bottom horizontal member 191 may extend beyond vertical member 196 and/or 197 to provide additional fall protection. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, bottom horizontal member 191 extends beyond vertical member 196 and adds additional fall protection at the intersection of partial access side 170 and first upright side 140. First and second vertical members 196 and 197 are approximately the same height as cage 120 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B.

Vertical members 175 may include rollers 176 attached by mechanisms such as bolts. Like vertical members 165, each vertical member 175 may include two vertically disposed rollers 176. Further, rollers 176 may include a central recessed portion for insertion of the vertical members 196 and 197, which thereby secures gate 190 to partial access side 170. Other attaching and affixing devices however may be used to secure gate 190 to partial access side 170, such as those discussed with respect to gate 80 and joining upright side 60, without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. A stopper may also be utilized to keep gate 190 from extending too far below or above cage 120. For example, a stopper may be added to horizontal rail 172 to keep intermediate horizontal member 192 from extending below horizontal rail 172 and bottom horizontal member 191 from extending above horizontal rail 172. Similarly, a stopper may be included on rail 173.

As shown in FIGS. 9A through 9B and similar to gate 180, when a worker grasps handle 195 and applies upward force to gate 190, vertical members 196 and 197 slide upward along rollers 176. A gap or opening is formed in cage 120 allowing the hatch cover of a tank truck to be fully opened so that the top of the hatch cover rests on the upper part of the tank truck. Like gates 80 and 180, spring loaded reels may be used to assist movement of gate 190.

Safety cage 120 may alternatively include one or more pivotable floors such as partial pivotable floor 70 discussed above. For example, safety cage 120 may include a pivotable floor adjacent to partial access side 170. In this embodiment, partial access side 170 may not include gate 190 and may be entirely open. Alternatively, safety cage 120 may include a pivotable floor adjacent to joining upright side 160. In this embodiment, joining upright side 160 may not include gate 180. In yet another embodiment, safety cage 120 may include a pivotable floor adjacent to partial access side 170 and joining upright side 160. When a pivotable floor is attached to safety cage 120, stops or tabs are preferably included to limit downward and/or upward rotation of the pivotable floor such as stops or tabs 75.

Similar to gangway 30, gangway 130 preferably includes an access including a ramp or stairway 133 having steps and a body 134 for supporting the stairway 133. Gangway body 134 typically incorporates a stringer and treads for securing the steps of stairway 133. Gangway 130 also may include vertical posts 135 extending upward and approximately adjacent to vertical rail 174 of partial access side 170 and vertical rail 154 of joining upright side 150 as shown in FIG. 9B. Gangway 130 may include handrails 136 and 137, which may be extended on one or both sides. In the embodiments shown, handrail 137 is extended. Like gangway 30, gangway 130 may be pivoted using varying techniques such as by releasing a foot lock on the body of gangway 130 or by pneumatic or hydraulic actuators.

Gangway 130 is preferably connected to a platform and may be pivotable between a raised stored positioned and a lowered access position, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Like gangway 30, the steps of stairway 133 of gangway 130 may be self leveling so that the gangway 130 can adjust to varying heights of tank trucks and resting positions of cage 120.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, safety cage 120 is supported on the free end of gangway 130. Because cage 120 includes a partial access side 170, the embodiment of gangway 130 shown in FIG. 9B is approximately half the width of gangway 30 shown in FIG. 4B. In the FIG. 9B embodiment, gangway 130 is positioned adjacent to open portion 171 of partial access side 170 to allow for access between cage 120 and gangway 130. Alternatively, gangway 130 may extend the entire width of partial access side 170. Cage 120 may be secured to gangway 130 at post 135. Alternatively, safety cage 120 may be secured directly to a service platform, such as platform 12 shown in FIG. 1 thereby eliminating the need for a gangway. Optionally, open portion 171 may include an adjustable gate, door, or rail to provide added fall protection at open portion 171.

Servicing operations using gangway 130 are performed using similar techniques to servicing operations performed using gangway 30 and discussed above. For example, after a tank truck is driven beneath safety cage 120, gangway 130 and safety cage 120 may be lowered so that cage 120 can preferably rest on the top of the tank truck. One or more workers can then enter the safety cage and remove any securing latches between the hatch cover and the hatch of the tank truck. Gates 180 and/or 190 can be raised to allow the hatch cover to fully open. Gates 180 and/or 190 can then be released to preferably return to the lowered position. The worker(s) may then return to the platform and the safety cage 120 and 130 may be raised to allow the tank truck to drive to a loading station. After material has been loaded, the tank truck may be driven back to the servicing station where a worker can close the hatch cover preferably using similar techniques.

Like cage 20, additional gates and/or floor panels may also be added to any of the sides of cages 120. For example, if the hatch cover 19 opens on a horizontal axis perpendicular to axis 21 and extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle, upright sides 140 and/or 150 may be configured to include a gate similar to gate 80, 180, or 190. In this case, bottom horizontal rails 141 and 151, respectively, may be at least partially removed or positioned so that it does not interfere with hatch cover 19. Furthermore, upright sides 140, 150, 160, and/or 170 may be configured to include a floor panel similar to the configuration of floor 70 preferably with a pivoting axis.

It should be noted that there are several configurations suitable for the design of the cage of the present invention, and the number of vertical and horizontal rails and members discussed above are for example only and represent but some of these configurations. Other configurations altering the number and positions of rails and members could be employed to demonstrate the invention. Further, several configurations suitable for the design of the gangway of the present invention and the number of posts and steps discussed above are for example only and represent but some of these configurations. Other configurations altering the number and position of posts and steps could also be employed to demonstrate the invention. All configurations known in the art are intended to be encompassed by the present invention and the description and drawings should not be deemed to narrow the scope of the present invention in any way.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In fact, after reading the above description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the invention in alternative embodiments. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

In addition, it should be understood that the figures, which highlight the functionality and advantages of the present invention, are presented for purposes of example only. The architecture of the present invention is sufficiently flexible and configurable, such that it may be used in ways other than that shown in the accompanying figures.

Further, the purpose of the Abstract of the Disclosure is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract of the Disclosure is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 

1. An apparatus for providing safe access to a top of a mobile container, said apparatus comprising: a cage having a first end and an opposing second end, said cage comprising a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a joining side for joining said first and second lateral sides at said opposing second end of said cage, and a partial side adjoining said first lateral side at said first end; wherein said joining side comprises a first gate, said first gate is vertically slidably engaged with said joining side; and wherein said partial side comprises an access opening and a second gate positioned adjacent to said opening, said second gate is vertically slidably engaged with said partial side.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus further comprises a gangway attached at said opening of said partial side, said gangway capable of being raised and lowered.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said gangway comprises a body and an access, said body supports said access and said access includes self leveling steps.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising an elevated platform wherein said gangway is also attached to said platform.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said joining side comprises a first horizontal rail, a second horizontal rail, a first vertical rail, and a second vertical rail, said first and second horizontal rails connected to said first and second vertical rails, said first gate slideably engaged with said first and second vertical rails.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said first gate is slideably engaged with said first and second vertical rails by rollers affixed to said first and second vertical rails of said joining side.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said partial side comprises a third horizontal rail, a fourth horizontal rail, a third vertical rail, and a fourth vertical rail, said third and fourth horizontal rails connected to said third and fourth vertical rails, said second gate slideably engaged with said third and fourth vertical rails.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said partial side comprises a first horizontal rail, a second horizontal rail, a first vertical rail, and a second vertical rail, said first and second horizontal rails connected to said first and second vertical rails, said second gate slideably engaged with said first and second vertical rails.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said second gate is slideably engaged with said first and second vertical rails by rollers affixed to said first and second vertical rails of said partial side.
 10. An apparatus for providing safe access to a top of a mobile container, said apparatus comprising: a cage having a first end and an opposing second end, said cage comprising a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a joining side for joining said first and second lateral sides at said opposing second end of said cage, and a partial side adjoining said first lateral side at said first end; said first lateral side of said cage comprises a first horizontal rail, a second horizontal rail, and a third horizontal rail, said first lateral side also comprises a first vertical rail and a second vertical rail; said second lateral side of said cage comprises a fourth horizontal rail, a fifth horizontal rail, and a sixth horizontal rail, said second lateral side also comprises a third vertical rail and a fourth vertical rail; said joining side comprises a first gate, said gate is vertically slidably engaged with said joining side; and said partial side comprises an access opening and a second gate positioned adjacent to said opening, said second gate is vertically slidably engaged with said partial side.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said apparatus further comprises a gangway attached at said opening of said partial side, said gangway capable of being raised and lowered.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising an elevated platform wherein said gangway is also attached to said platform.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprises an elevated platform wherein said apparatus is attached to said platform.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said joining side comprises a seventh horizontal rail and an eighth horizontal rail, said seventh and eighth horizontal rails are connected to said second vertical rail of said first lateral side and said fourth vertical rail of said second lateral side.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said joining side further comprises a fifth vertical rail and a sixth vertical rail, said first gate is slideably engaged with said fifth and sixth vertical rails.
 16. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said partial side comprises a seventh horizontal rail and an eighth horizontal rail, said seventh and eighth horizontal rails are connected to said first vertical rail of said first lateral side.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said partial side further comprises a fifth vertical rail and a sixth vertical rails, said second gate is slideably engaged with said fifth and sixth vertical rails.
 18. An apparatus for providing safe access to a top of a mobile container, said apparatus comprising: a cage having a first end and an opposing second end, said cage comprising a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a joining side for joining said first and second lateral sides at said opposing second end of said cage, and a partial side adjoining said first lateral side at said first end; wherein said partial side comprises an access opening and a gate positioned adjacent to said opening, said gate is vertically slidably engaged with said partial side.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said apparatus further comprises a gangway attached at said opening of said partial side, said gangway capable of being raised and lowered.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising an elevated platform wherein said gangway is also attached to said platform.
 21. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising an elevated platform wherein said apparatus is attached to said platform.
 22. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said partial side further comprises a first horizontal rail, a second horizontal rail, a first vertical rail, and a second vertical rail, said first and second horizontal rails connected to said first and second vertical rails, said gate slideably engaged with said first and second vertical rails.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said gate is slideably engaged with said first and second vertical rails by rollers affixed to said first and second vertical rails of said partial side.
 24. A method for providing safe access to a top of a mobile container, said mobile container having a hatch cover positioned at the top of said mobile container, said hatch cover pivoting between a desired open and closed position, said method comprises: providing a gangway capable of being raised and lowered; providing a cage having a first end attached to said gangway and an opposing second end, said cage comprising a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a joining side for joining said first and second lateral sides at said opposing second end of said cage, and a partial side wherein said partial side comprises an access opening and a gate positioned adjacent to said opening, said gate is vertically slidably engaged with said partial side; positioning said cage into engagement with said mobile container by lowering said gangway wherein said cage surrounds said hatch cover of said mobile container; accessing said cage through said access opening of said partial side of said cage; sliding said gate in an upward direction to allow access for said hatch cover of said mobile container to be pivoted between said desired open and closed position; and lowering said gate once said hatch cover is in said desired position.
 25. The method of claim 24 wherein said joining side of said cage further comprises a vertically slideably engaged second gate, said method further includes the step of sliding said second gate in an upward direction to allow access for said hatch cover of said mobile container to be pivoted between said desired open and closed position and lowering said gate once said hatch cover is in said desired position. 